RUNWAY MODELS: The Next Big Faces

We all have our favorites. The models that just seem to shine a little brighter than some of the others for us. For me, it's Agyness Deyn ... adorable yet wicked, classic yet edgy, black yet white (hair that is) ... thin yet, well thinner ... oh, you know what I mean.

Well, hold on to your hats, a new group of models is emerging. Hitting the runways for debut catwalks during New York Fashion Week, Casting Director Douglas Perrett believes these are the new beauties to watch in the future: (click images to enlarge)

ABBEY LEE

Fresh from Australia, Abbey is an 18 year old (read: 30 in model speak), who Perrett says is going to have her choice of the best designers for which to model collections. Agency - Next

Fall 2008 BCBG Max Azria Collection

ALI STEPHENS

Utah raised Ali is the most buzzed about girl, says Perrett. He says she's only doing shows for the likes of Donna Karan, Rodarte, Calvin Klein, et al. with her really long legs they're all dying to get her for their collections. Agency - Elite

Fall 2008 Blumarine

ENIKO MIHALIK

Eighteen years old and hailing from Hungary, she's being compared to Daria. Perrett likes her wide-set eyes, flawless skin and perfect walk. Agency - Marilyn, Elite

Fall 2008 Benjamin Cho

GANTZ

Russian born and at the tender age of 15, Perrett thinks this new starlit will start out small but has lots of hype behind her already. Agency - 1 Model Management

HYUNI or HYONI (I've seen it spelled both ways)

Korean, Seung-Hyun Kang (she goes by Hyuni), winner of Ford's Supermodel of the World contest, has an amazing walk and can look so exotic. Agency - Ford





MALIN

Touted by Perrett as the next Hilary Rhoda, Malin is statuesque, has great shoulders, a severe jawbone, perfect he thinks for Calvin Klein or Oscar de la Renta. Agency - Marilyn

Fall 2008 Calvin Klein

NATALIE KEYSER


From Oregon, this 15 year old is just starting her run with the "big dogs" of fashion. Again, Perrett sees a Calvin Klein model in the making. Agency - Elite










PAUL


Already on Alexander Wang's radar, Perrett says Paul has an interesting face, boldly styled hair and a boy's name, which always captures attention. Agency - Trump








SKYE

Aussie and 16 years old, she's the new "baby" for model agency DNA. Expect to see her shows with a slightly younger vibe, says Perrett. She's the darling of the catwalk. Agency - DNA



Fall 2008 Hermes

TETYANA PISKUN

Perrett likes Tetyana's healthy and sophisticated look; says Perrett, "...she's just beautiful". Agency - Next

View more photos of these runway newcomers via the slideshow playing in the right-hand margin

for more info: elle.com

photos: elle.com, supermodels.nl, nymag.com